Policeman arrested for allegedly stealing mobile phone from motorist in Nairobi

A police officer attached to the Tourist Police Unit has been arrested for allegedly stealing a mobile phone valued at Sh18,000 and extorting Sh1,500 from a motorist.

Police Constable James Kinyua allegedly flagged down Duncan Kombo, an Accountant at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources at the junction of Bishop and Valley Road, Nairobi on Tuesday.

The officer accused the motorist of breaking traffic law. The officer then jumped into the motorist's car and engaged him in a talk which saw him part with Sh1,500 as a bribe to be let free.

But after the officer had left, Kombo could not trace his cell phone. He rushed to police in Nairobi Area who referred him to Tourist Police offices where he reported the matter.

An identification parade was then conducted in which Kombo positively identified the law enforcement officer as the one who had stopped him, demanded a bribe and vanished with his mobile phone.

A search was then conducted on the officer and the missing Nokia E72 mobile phone and money were recovered from his pockets.

It was then that the commanders at TPU ordered the arrest of the constable.

He is expected in court today to face charges of theft and extortion.

Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo termed the incident as unfortunate and warned any officer found to committing crime that they will carry their own cross.

"That incident should not be used to demonise the entire service," said Kimaiyo.